Page 39 of Her Devoted HERO

“That won’t cut it,” Buddy said. “He’s fired. Find another director.”

“Buddy, you can’t mean that,” the producer whined.

“I’ll shut down this entire production. This documentary doesn’t have to be made,” he ground out.

Kenna watched in amazement. This was not the easy-going man she was used to seeing, but she liked it. It was good to know that Rosalie’s grandson could stand up for her so well. Rosalie was walking towards them with a smile on her face, it was obvious she had heard Buddy.

“Jim, you can’t let this little shit walk all over you,” the director said.

“It’s done. You’re fired. Get your things and go.” The producer turned to a younger man who was standing close by. “Roy, you’ve just been promoted. Don’t fuck up.”

Five teacup poodles ran across the lawn, Smooches leading the way, followed by the maid.

“Smooches, bad girl,” she yelled.

“I think the dogs would make an excellent addition to the documentary,” Roy said to Rosalie.

“What a fucking suck-up,” the original director muttered before he stomped away.

Kenna looked at Buddy who was fighting a grin.

“I wanted to talk to you, Kenna Dear,” Rosalie said as she gripped her arm. Kenna allowed herself to be pulled towards the low stairs that led to the verandah.

“What did you need, Rosalie? Is there going to be a music video filming here next week? Is Beyoncé coming?”

“No, but Oprah magazine has approached me about an article and a photo shoot,” Rosalie said as she sat down in one of the patio chairs. “I think we’ll need to go to Sedona for that week. Will your mother be able to take care of Austin? Would you be able to get time off?”

“You’re a hoot.” Kenna laughed. “I never know what’s next when I’m working with you.”

“You needed some shaking up. Your life was too bland.”

“I have work. I have Austin. It is good.” Kenna looked at the chaos in the rose garden and thought that bland definitely had its good points.

“You’ve needed to get laid ever since I’ve known you.”

Kenna’s head whipped around in stunned disbelief. She knew that Rosalie wasn’t a prude, but seriously?

“Seriously?”

“Yes, I said that, Honey. I’m surprised your girlfriends haven’t taken you aside and laid down the law. So to speak.” Rosalie chuckled at her double entendre.

Kenna’s gut clenched. Jean had said that to her on numerous occasions.

“What, Honey?” Rosalie asked.

“It’s Jean,” Kenna whispered.

“Oh, I wasn’t thinking,” Rosalie leaned forward and patted her hand. “You’ve been holding up so well. Perhaps you should go home,” Rosalie suggested.

“No, this is good. I need to take my mind off it.”

She looked at Rosalie Randall, with her graceful sweep of white hair, and well-done makeup. The woman didn’t look a day over seventy. Kenna shook her head. “Have I told you how much I love working for you?”

“Well, I hope it’s more than that. I hope you love having me as a friend because that’s what I consider you. I consider you my friend. And as your friend, I have to tell you, you need to get laid.”

Kenna threw back her head and laughed. She couldn’t help it. She might not look ninety-two, but Rosalie Randall sure as hell looked regal as a duchess, and hearing her say that Kenna needed to get laid was pretty damned funny. Then to make matters worse, Rosalie arched one elegant eyebrow, and Kenna laughed even harder.

“Kenna, pull yourself together and listen to me.”